For the first time ever, both grades found themselves on top of their respective Northern Inland Premiere League ladders.

While club president Heinrich Haussler still has not stopped smiling about the results, coach Stephen Gadd said the Gunnedah Hawks was an improved team with many new faces.

“Gunnedah were a bit of an unknown package so we knew we had to prepare for a tough match,” Gadd said.

“We controlled possession from outset and wore down Gunnedah. We took the lead through a well taken Ashley Smith header.”

Smith was on hand again after some good lead up work to bring the score up to 2-0 at half time.

The Hawks came out for the second-half with some enthusiasm, and capitalised on a lapse in concentration from the Joeys to make the score 2-1.

“We answered back quickly when Smith completed his first hat-trick for the Joeys, after some more, slick passing and speed out wide,” Gadd said.

“It took the wind out of Gunnedah’s sails and Joeys piled on four more goals through Smith who finished with four goals for the day.”

Daniel Ferris scored one goal and Amine Lahia notched up two.

Best for Joeys were Ashley Smith, Daniel Ferris, Amine Lahia and Trent Irwin. Kyle King made a fantastic contribution in his first grade debut, and Callum Dolby did well, as he returned from the broken leg that kept him out of the second-half of last season. 

Joeys’ next game will be a huge test when they take on Urunga in the third round of the State Cup in Armidale. Urunga were last year’s winners and will be hard to beat.

“Our next premier league game will be on May 3, in Gunnedah against Gunnedah FC,” Gadd said. 

“The next home game will be against Narrabri/WeeWaa on May 10.”

Gadd said reserve grade played one of their best matches to take down the Gunnedah Hawks, with goal scorers Callum Dolby (two goals), Sage Cook (two goals) and Kyle Chilcott (one goal).